Downtown Crowd February 2013

Editor’s Corner

CONTENTS 4. Downtown Improvement Board

February is here, and I find myself filled with love. No, Emily Lullo not because of the trite so-called “holiday” that falls mideditor month. You know, the one that sends countless coupled folks to Walgreens in an emotionless stupor of consumerism to make oh-so-romantic purchases of mass produced stuffed animals and poor quality confections. Yeah, that one. I’m doubling down on my refusal to celebrate! There won’t even be an ironic celebration, like the year I bought my love an ironing board as a gift on this day. Hey, he still uses that ironing board. Can the same be said of that stuffed singing gorilla?

All that said, there are some other areas that I fully encourage you to shower with love this month. Give your heart to the arts! First and foremost, if you haven’t already checked out the new and improved First City Art Center in its sweet new location on Guillemard Street, now is your perfect chance! Make a date with the FCAC for February 8 for Hot Glass Cold Brew. This event has all the elements of a perfect date rendezvous, without need for an awkward companion or a possibly disastrous finish.

Grab your most beloved bud and experience the passionate heat of a glass blowing demo, the dizzying euphoria of a delicious cold brew and the unique fun of our local arts community.

For another artistic adventure, celebrate the performing arts at Pensacola Little Theatre with their unique production of Short Attention Span Theatre. This series of one-acts lets the attention deficit theatre-goer enjoy the humorous side of romance, because if we weren’t able to laugh at our romantic pitfalls, love would indeed be a dark comedy. Or even a dramedy.

And as the great philosopher Mary J. Blige can attest, we want no more drama in our lives (though Contact me at I’m sure MJB would give a pass to Emily@Ballinger Publishing.com the thespian variety). or write to In celebration of our drama-free P.O. Box 12665, lives, let’s party—Mardi Gras Pensacola, FL 32591-2665. style! Don your beads and boas and gorge on some moonpies, because we’ve got two parades and a Fat Tuesday street party to attend. Find out all the goods on page 20.

I hope you find this February to be filled with love, though not the banal sort encouraged on the 14th. And if you happen to feel compelled to try to change my position, I’ll gladly accept Russell Stover dark chocolate covered coconut crème hearts as evidence the day is not a universal bummer.

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6. Art • Music • Theatre 11. ChatterBox 12. Dateline Downtown 15. Word on the Street 17. ChowDownTown Sumo Sushi 18. First City Arts Center 21. Parking Map 22. URAC Report 24. Business Profile Crystal Studios 26. Film 29. MyCrowd: Short Attention Span Theatre 30. Historic District

Executive Editor Kelly Oden Editor Emily Lullo Art Director Rita Laymon Graphic Designer and Ad Coordinator Kassie McLean kassie@ballingerpublishing.com Editorial Assistant Josh Newby Editorial Intern Advertising Account Executives Caroline Martin caroline@ballingerpublishing.com Sharyon Miller sharyon@ballingerpublishing.com Contributing Writers Brian Hooper DIB Executive Director Sandra Ward DIB Board Members Burney Merrill – Chairman Ed Carson – Vice Chairman Bob Van Slyke – Treasurer Evan Levin Corbett Davis, Jr. Deadline for space and information is the 15th of the month prior to publication.

For advertising rates or news tips contact Phone: 433-1166 • Fax: 435-9174 DOWNTOWN CROWD is published monthly in cooperation with the Downtown Improvement Board, 41 N. Jefferson St., Suite 401, Pensacola, Florida 32502

by Ballinger Publishing. Offices located at 41 N. Jefferson St., Suite 402, Pensacola, Florida 32502.

PUBLISHED BY BALLINGER PUBLISHING:

33. Mardi Gras 35. Faces in the Crowd

On the cover: Artwork by Kassie McLean

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Publisher Malcolm Ballinger

Downtown Crowd is locally owned and operated. It is published monthly for distribution in Pensacola, Florida.

All Rights Reserved. Reproduction or use of the contents herein is prohibited without written permission from the publisher. Comments and opinions expressed in this magazine represent the personal views of the individuals to whom they are attributed and/or the person identified as the author of the article, and they are not necessarily those of the publisher. This magazine accepts no responsibility for these opinions. The publisher reserves the right to edit all manuscripts. All advertising information is the responsibility of the individual advertiser. Appearance in this magazine does not necessarily reflect endorsement of any products or services by Ballinger Publishing. © 2013

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Downtown Improvement Board Sandra Ward Interim Executive Director of the Downtown Improvement Board

Downtown Sundays If you haven’t been Downtown on a Sunday recently, you might not recognize the place. It bears little to no resemblance to the attractive but sleepy area from just a few short years ago.

While many of the Downtown offices are closed on Sunday, many retail businesses are open. The long established art venues Blue Morning Gallery, Pensacola Museum of Art and Quayside Gallery plus newer retail establishments have limited Sunday afternoon hours year round now. No fewer than nine Downtown restaurants (Fish House, Atlas, Polonza Bistro, Jaco’s, The Leisure Club, Adonna’s Bakery and Café, Seville Quarter’s Palace Café, Apple Annie’s and Fast Eddie’s) now offer brunch.

All of these special breakfast/lunch combinations are in addition to New York Nicks, Hopjacks Pizza Kitchen, Tin Cow, Helen Back, Wine Bar,

Nick’s Boathouse, Subway and Pita Pit which have full food service throughout the day on Sundays. Many of these establishments also have sidewalk food service, allowing patrons to enjoy the magnificent Florida weather while enjoying a great meal or cold beverage.

These businesses have not missed the fact that over 7,000 people are attending church at one of the seven Downtown houses of worship each and every Sunday morning. Many of the faithful are looking for a location to have a nice lunch/brunch after their church service is over. Today, these folks have multiple options from which to choose.

With the absence of the traditional workday traffic, Sunday is a great day to bicycle Downtown. Many individuals and families take advantage of this to cruise the streets, taking in the historic sights or pedaling tree-

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lined streets. Easy access from many adjacent neighborhoods, like Seville, Aragon, North Hill, East Hill, allows for couples on inexpensive or informal dates to share an activity and stop at a number of options for lunch or refreshment. Quite a few of the parking spaces, now vacant of the office workers, are taken by SUVs and cars with bike racks.

It is not unusual on a Sunday to see several mothers and fathers pushing a baby stroller or pulling a wagon with a toddler along the quaint streets and sidewalks of Downtown. Without the noise and bustle of automobiles racing by, pedestrians can more fully absorb the charm of the grand historic buildings, the majesty of the ancient oaks and magnolias, and the beauty of the waterfront. Parents and children can enjoy the interactive fountains of Plaza de Luna (weather permitting) the shade of Seville and Ferdinand squares or fly kites in the open space of the Maritime Park. More and more families are discovering this cool, interesting and free playground for their children.

Shoreline fishing has always been a leisure time activity enjoyed

Downtown. As more and more people discover Plaza de Luna, Commendencia Slip, Bartram Park and the Maritime Park shoreline, and the space to drop a line in the water, the number of fisherman has grown.

This family–friendly pastime can be addictive. There are always fishermen, but on Sundays the cast of anglers and their families grows.

Performances at the Saenger Theatre, the Pensacola Cultural Center, or Vinyl Music Hall are occurring more frequently on Sunday afternoons and/or evenings bringing even more people to Downtown to walk the streets, eat in one of the open establishments, or to just enjoy the ambiance of a beautiful historic Downtown at a more leisurely pace.

Sundays are no longer the “dead” day in Downtown Pensacola. There is much to do. In short, the streets and sidewalks of Downtown are alive with new uses, people, and sounds. Come experience what Downtown has to offer on a more relaxed day of the week. You can bring your bike or your pole or just family and friends. See you next Sunday.

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Art • Music • Theatre Pensacola Bay Center Presents Daughtry and Three Doors Down February 22 Multi-platinum rock bands Daughtry and 3 Doors Down have announced plans to continue their joint coheadline tour into 2013. The first ever co-headline U.S. tour will resume on January 25 at the Verizon Theatre in Dallas, and continue in to March, 2013, stopping at the Pensacola Bay Center Friday, February 22. The opening act will be Aranda. Daughtry's set features the band's new single "Start of Something Good," from their new gold certified album Break The Spell along with a plethora of smash hits.

3 Doors Down has just released the quintet's first ever Greatest Hits package, and the band's set brings repertoire from their nine #1 chart-toppers to the stage, including "Kryptonite," "It's Not My Time," and "When I'm Gone.” Tickets are $28.50, $34.50, $40 and $65 and are available.

Saenger Theatre Presents Google God: A Gospel Stage Play February 2 PCARA Production's heartwarming, suspenseful and over-the-top hilarious gospel comedy stage play Google God is about searching the internet and looking for love in all the wrong places. This awesome production will have you laughing out loud and stomping your feet! Google God will be remembered as one of America's most unique gospel comedy stage plays ever seen on stage.

The show will be Saturday, February 2 at the Saenger Theatre. General admission tickets are $27.99, and there will be two shows at 2 pm and 7 pm. For more information visit pensacolasaenger.com.

Glenn Miller Orchestra at Naval Museum February 5 The world-famous Glenn Miller Orchestra, a fully self-contained 19 member group, is the most popular and sought after big band in the world today. Since 1956, the present group has been consistently performing an average of 300 live dates each year world wide. Come hear one of the greatest bands of all time as they bring unique jazz and big band sounds to the National Naval Aviation Museum. Advance tickets are $22.50-$50. For more information visit navalaviationmuseum.org.

PSC Lyceum Series Concerts February 6 & 9 The Pensacola State College Lyceum Series presents two concerts with international flair in the same week. The Italian Saxophone Quartet performs Wednesday, February 6, and Russian guitarist Vladimir Gorbach performs Saturday, February 9. Both performances begin at 7:30 pm at the Ashmore Fine Arts Auditorium, Building 8, on the Pensacola campus. The Italian Saxophone Quartet’s interpretations of contemporary music have received special recognition and play an integral part of their repertoire. Gorbach, the 2011 Guitar Foundation of America winner, has captivated audiences worldwide as a soloist and with orchestras.

Admission for each concert is $11 for the general public; $9 for non-PSC students and seniors; $7 for PSC faculty, staff, retirees and PSC Seniors Club; free for PSC students with current college ID. Tickets can be purchased at the door or by calling 484-1847 or online at pensacolastate.edu/lyceum.

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PLT Presents The Philadelphia Story January 31-February 3 PLT presents The Philadelphia Story. One day before her marriage to a successful businessman, haughty socialite Tracy Lord is sure of herself and her future. However, with the surprise arrival of her ex-husband and the tempting presence of a tabloid reporter, Tracy’s perfect vision of herself is shaken to the core. It will take a bottle of champagne and a compromising situation to crack her forbidding exterior and reveal an understanding heart. This classic comedy of manners finds that sometimes getting what you want means learning to let go. Tickets are $14$30 general admission. Friday and Saturday shows are at 7:30 pm, Sunday matinees at 2:30 pm. For more infomation call 432-2042.

Jimmy Buffet & the Coral Reefer Band at the Pensacola Bay Center February 5 Parrotheads, the wait is over!

Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band will perform at the Pensacola Bay Center for one night only on Tuesday, February 5 at 8 pm as part of the Lounging at the Lagoon Tour 2013. Local Parrtoheads won’t want to miss the full Margaritaville experience.

Tickets are available at Ticketmaster outlets, ticketmaster.com or charge by phone (800) 745-3000.

PMA Presents The Stewart Collection of African Art Through February The Pensacola Museum of Art is currently hosting The Stewart Collection of African Art, on display for the first time at a museum in this region. Eighteenth and nineteenth Century objects from the Ivory Coast and Central Africa comprise the majority of the collection, though it also includes two clay pieces from antiquity.

There are carved wooden statues and masks, bronze figures, lost-wax castings, stools, clay urns and various pieces from Nigeria, Congo, Ghana, Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, among others. The collection was assembled by Dr. George L. and Mrs. Breckinridge Stewart.

Pensacola Symphony Presents Cirque de la Symphonie February 9 The Saenger Theatre and the Pensacola Symphonie Orchestra present Cirque de la Symphonie, an evening of classical music along with dazzling performances of acrobatics and feats of strength. This exciting feast for the eyes and ears will take place at the Saenger Theatre on Saturday, February 9 at 8 pm.

Tickets are $20-$82. For more information visit pensacolasaenger.com.

The Choral Society of Pensacola Presents Lyric Libations February 15 The Choral Society of Pensacola presents “Lyric Libations” from 5:30 to 8 pm Friday, February 15, at Dollarhide’s Music Center, 41 South Palafox Place. Jazz vocalist Ellen Vinson, accompanied by veteran pianist David Shelander, highlight the evening of musical entertainment, tasty hors d’oeuvres, fine wines and a 50/50 drawing.

Sponsored by Pensacola State College, the Choral Society is directed by Pensacola State music professor Xiaolun Chen. Admission is $25 per person, payable in advance or at the door.

For tickets or more information, contact the Choral Society at 484.1806, csop1@juno.com or choralsocietyofpensacola.com

Kid Rock Rebel Soul Tour February 20 Kid Rock is proud to announce the first dates of his “Rebel Soul” worldwide tour in support of his recently released album bearing the same name. The tour will be coming to Pensacola Bay Center on February 20! Backed as always by his Twisted Brown Trucker band, the fullscale arena tour will feature Buckcherry and Hellbound Glory as support. Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com and at PensacolaBayCenter box office. Ticket prices are set at $29.50, $49.50, $59.50 and $89.50.

Saenger Theatre Presents In the Mood February 7 In The Mood celebrates America’s Greatest Generation through the music of Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman, Harry James, Erskine Hawkins, The Andrews Sisters, Frank Sinatra and other idols of the 1940s. The show’s music arrangements, costumes and choreography are as authentic as it gets. This brassy, upbeat 1940s musical revue features a company of 19 on stage: the sensational 13-piece String of Pearls Big Band Orchestra and the In The Mood Singers and Dancers including a high-flying swing dance couple. Tickets are $39-$59, and there will be two shows at 3 pm and 7:30 pm. For more information visit pensacolasaenger.com.

Saenger Theatre Presents Rhythm of the Dance February 22 The show is an inspiring epic, reliving the journey of the Irish Celts throughout history. Using modern art forms of dance and music, this richly costumed show marries the contemporary and the ancient.

Combining traditional dance and music with the most up to date stage technology, the show is a thousand year old story executed with all the advantages of the modern day stage show. Rhythm of the Dance will take the Saenger stage on Friday, February 22 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $28-$58. For more information visit pensacolasaenger.com.

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Art • Music • Theatre This Month at Blue Morning Gallery - Be Mine! Jewelry for Your SweetheART! With a focus on Valentine’s Day, a show by seven Blue Morning Gallery artists features their unique jewelry. On display beginning February 3, and continuing through March 8, the show also offers one-of-a-kind Valentine’s Day cards and special gift wrapping for easy one stop shopping.

On Friday, February 8, from 4 – 9 pm, participating jewelers Christine Chandler, Lyn Gentry, Jan Kurtz, Meghan McMillan, Joy Oxley, Mara Viksnins and Elaine Woodward invite the public to an opening reception. Visitors have the opportunity to meet the jewelers, enjoy some sweet treats at the Gallery and shop for some “sweet art for that sweetheart.” The Valentine-themed window offers more gift suggestions. Jeweler and glass artist Lyn Gentry shows

PMA & Ballet Pensacola Present Possible Symmetry February 14­17 The Pensacola Museum of Art presents a selection from the Pensacola State College Permanent Collection (housed at the Switzer Center for Visual Arts), in the Kugelman Family and Mary Janice Henderson Thornton galleries. Then, in a first-time collaboration with Ballet Pensacola, Richard Steinert and Christine Duhon will present four nights of a choreographed performance inspired by the art on display. Ballet Pensacola performs Possible Symmetry at the Museum February 1416 at 7 pm and February 17 at 2 pm. Tickets are $18. To purchase tickets please call Ballet Pensacola at 432-9546.

UWF Presents 7th Annual “All-Steinway School” Celebration Concert February 11 Continuing on the success of the summer and holiday movies, the Saenger has chosen a pair of films for all the The University of West Florida Center for Fine & romantics to enjoy on Valentine’s weekend. On February Performing Arts, together with the Department of Music, will present the Seventh Annual “All15 at 7 pm the Saenger will present Sleepless in Steinway School” celebration on Monday, February Seattle, starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, and on 11, at 7:30 pm in the Music Hall. The concert is free, February 16 at 7 pm An Affair to Remember, starring but tickets are required. This year’s concert will Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr. Movie tickets can be feature seven current students performing the music purchased for $5 each at the Saenger Theatre Box of Chopin, Mozart, Rachmaninoff, Bach, Bartok, Office. All movies will be seated on a first-come-firstBeethoven, Bizet, Schubert and others. Upon served basis. The Box Office will open each night onebecoming an “All Steinway School” seven years ago, hour prior to show time. For more information on through a generous donation from Warren and Helen upcoming events at the Pensacola Saenger Theatre visit Wentworth, many talented pianists have trained in our website at pensacolasaenger.com. the program. For more information or to reserve tickets, please call 857-6285.

Saenger Presents Valentine’s Classic Movies February 15 & 16

[ ] how to “find your love in the dark,” while Joy Oxley urges “let your love shine exuberantly...through hand-blown glass hearts.” Christine Chandler, who specializes in pearl and leather jewelry, believes that “since the luster of a pearl is the reflection of a pure heart, there is nothing better to give as a gift to another...or to oneself.” Elaine Woodward creates bracelets using wider-width leather, often red, which “works well with both silver and bronze wire and an assortment of beads for a unique and interesting look.” Mara Viksnins uses Red Jade, “a stone of physical vitality, strength and passion” in her new line of necklaces, earrings and bracelets. Jan Kurtz sees that “love is in the air and new textures on metal, pretty patinas, and pearls and sparkling crystals are incorporated into jewelry to make someone’s heart sing.” Meghan McMillan creates distinctive wearable pieces of nostalgia, using vintage letterpress type, lace, buttons, Anagram pieces, chandelier crystals and vinyl records. The Blue Morning Gallery is located at 21 Palafox Place, Downtown Pensacola. For information, call 4299100.

Artel Gallery Presents Florida: A Celebration of 500 Years Through February Artel Gallery presents Florida: A Celebration of 500 Years, a juried exhibit on display through March 1. An opening reception will take place on Friday, February 1, from 6 – 8 pm. Announcements and raffle drawings will start at 7 pm. Works in this exhibit were selected by juror Karen Cassidy. The placement winners are: Best of Show, Joseph Smith; First Place, Hope Mastroianni; Second Place, Leland Leonard/Reid Leonard; Third Place, Mailande Turner; Edgiest, Tiffany K. Pippin; Honorable Mention, Sally Miller. Artel is a not-for-profit educational gallery located 223 Palafox Place, first floor of the Old Escambia County Courthouse and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm. For more information call 432-3080 or visit artelgallery.org.

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UWF’s Spring Chamber Music Series at Old Christ Church February 6 The University of West Florida Department of Music will present an afternoon of chamber music during the 2013 Spring semester, each first Wednesday at 12 pm in the Old Christ Church in Historic Downtown Pensacola. The church is located at 120 East Church Street.

Every performance in the series is free and open to the public. On February 6, the concert will be titled “Happy Valentine.” The UWF Chamber Music Class will dive into the Spring semester with a musical celebration of love, fun and happiness. The program includes music written

by Haydn, Paganini, Handel, Mozart and others.

For more information, contact the Music office at 474-2147.

Fish House Deck Bar Weekly Music Schedule The Deck Bar is closed on Sunday & Monday night Tuesday: Lucas Crutchfield from 6 pm - 10 pm Wednesday: Lucas Crutchfield 5 pm - 9 pm; At 9 pm a regional band will play until midnight. Regional bands are changed weekly Thursday: Lucas Crutchfield 6 pm - 10 pm Friday: Lucas Crutchfield 5 pm - 9 pm; Regional band begins at 9 pm Saturday: Regional bands begin at 9 pm.

At Seville Quarter This Month Seville Quarter hosts a variety of entertainment from a wide array of genres.

For more information check out SevilleQuarter.com.

Every Tuesday: Kitt Lough Every Wednesday: Anchor Steps Swing Dancing Night Wednesday-Saturday: Dueling Piano Show February 1-2: Mo Jiles, Trunk Monkey, Alverado Road Show February 3: Super Bowl XVII February 7: The Red Field, Hotel Oscar February 8: The Revivalists, The Modern Eldorados, Jamie Eubanks Band, The Red Field, Fatty Waters

February 8: The Modern Eldorados, Jamie Eubanks Band, The Red Field, Fatty Waters

February 11: Gabe Steeves February 14: Schofield, Ryan Balthrop Band February 15-16: Schofield, The Rez, Ryan Balthrop Band February 21: Cornbred, Big Jim Brown February 22: Big Jim Brown, Fatty Waters, Kategory 5 February 23: 2013 JAZZ FEST GOES ON, Kategory 5, Hotel Oscar, Big Jim Brown February 24: Hotel Oscar February 28: Thick as Thieves, Grand Theft Audio

At Vinyl Music Hall This Month Vinyl Music Hall hosts a huge variety of musical acts from a wide array of genres.

For more information check out VinylMusicHall.com.

Friday, February 1: Zappa Plays Zappa Tuesday, February 5: Soul Asylum, Mike Nielsen & the Rusted Hearts, Deadly Fists of Kung Fu Friday, February 8: Old 97s, Rhett Miller, The O’s Tuesday, February 12: Reel Big Fish, The Pilfers, Don Potthast Thursday, February 14: Pretty Things Peepshow Valentine’s Show Sunday, February 17: Marshall Tucker Band Tuesday, February 19: Dark Star Orchestra 2013 Tour Grateful Dead Experience Wednesday, February 20: Mushroomhead, Gemini Syndrome Thursday, February 21: Alan Parsons Live Project, That 1 Guy, Wolff Monday, February 25: dada, 7horse, Jared Fink Tuesday, February 26: Ballyhoo!, Kayavibe, Heritage, Fat Lipped Fish, Thursday, February 28: J BOOG

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ChatterBox

Kelly Blackwell What is your favorite arts organization in Downtown?

My favorite organization for arts Downtown is PMA Culture Club for consistently bringing together both known and lesser known artists for the public to enjoy and making the events fun as well as educational. A little booze and some tunes never hurts a crowd either.

Describe your perfect date night Downtown.

Pretty typical, but if ain’t broke don’t fix it. My perfect date night starts with a bite to eat at Atlas and then a delicious cocktail at 5 1/2 followed by a walk down Palafox to people watch and say hello to a few friends and then ending at Vinyl for music, or if we want something more romantic, it’s always nice to get away and head over to the Cabu Club for some dimly lit conversation.

Where would you go Downtown for a decadent dessert to share with your sweetie?

My favorite dessert spot is Global Grill. I just really appreciate the warm and cozy atmosphere.

The cheesecake with port wine and berries is sweet but not too sweet, and sophisticated. If there is a menu anywhere Downtown ever featuring anything “salted caramel” then I am there in a heartbeat! My sweetie and I both prefer the non-chocolate kinds of desserts.

Brandon Warren What is your favorite arts organization in Downtown?

The symphony provides the city with an opportunity to go and see some of the best musicians in our area performing some of the most important music of all time. Very important for our community to have that.

Describe your perfect date night Downtown.

Probably dinner somewhere like Global Grill , followed by a good show at Sluggo’s, and late night drinks at 5 1/2. Normal date night.

Where would you go Downtown for a decadent dessert to share with your sweetie?

Jackson’s has great desserts.

Sarah McCartan What is your favorite arts organization in Downtown?

I must admit, attending a ballet performance always reawakens that hopeful ballerina within, and urges me to return home to my apartment and promptly leap up and down the hall. Having recently attended two Ballet Pensacola performances, I find myself eagerly awaiting the next! I am glad to see Ballet Pensacola flourishing and playing a valuable part in our ever-growing, Downtown arts community.

Describe your perfect date night Downtown.

Between Sluggo’s Vegetarian Restaurant, the Handlebar and Vinyl Music Hall, you don’t have to venture far to find live music on most any given evening and to me, nothing screams ideal date night quite like taking a leisurely walk to one of the aforementioned establishments, sharing a memorable show and kicking back a few PBRs, naturally.

Where would you go Downtown for a decadent dessert to share with your sweetie?

While I certainly don’t believe in or advocate dessert sharing, Sluggo’s has desserts that are oh-sodecadent you would swear up and down they aren’t vegan. Although the dessert lineup is always changing, you can count on getting one big bite for your buck. I must give a shout out to the giant cream filled oatmeal cookie that recently sent me into a cookie coma.

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Dateline Downtown Pensacola Double Bridge Run February 2 A 15K course takes runners from the south end of Palafox, through Downtown and along Bayfront Parkway, over two bridges crossing Pensacola Bay and Santa Rosa Sound, from historic Downtown to Pensacola Beach. Runners and walkers are also welcome at the 5K course and Kids Fun Run. Come cheer on runners or call 434-2800 for more info.

Ice Flyers Ice Hockey Come root for the home team at the Civic Center with the Pensacola Ice Flyers. Because what could be cooler than ice hockey in Pensacola? Games start at 7:05 pm. Home games are listed below. For more info check out pensacolaiceflyers.com.

February 1 vs. Columbus Cottonmouths February 2 vs. Mississippi Surge February 12 vs. Mississippi Surge February 15 vs. vs. Columbus Cottonmouths February 23 vs. Louisiana Ice Gators

Cooking Demo with Chef Irv Miller February 20 In honor of Mardi Gras, for this cooking demonstration, Chef Irv will present Flavors of New Orleans. Inspired from the many New Orleans chefs (including Susan Spicer, Gerard Maras, Paul Prudhomme, Emeril Lagasse, John Besh and Leon Galatoire, to name a few), Chef Irv will celebrate New Orleans cooking at its finest.Chef Irv will re-create many of the regional specialties they have become recognized for.

Tickets are $45 and there will be two seatings at 5-6:30 pm and 7:30-9 pm. For reservations call 217-2347.

United Way Presents Passport to Unite February 7 Enjoy a memorable four-course Italian cuisine with wine pairings and learn more about how you can positively impact our community through United Way of Escambia County. Passport to Unite will be held at the Sanders Beach Corinne Jones Community Center. Call 444-7143 for more information.

ABC Beer Tasting at Atlas Oyster House February 7 Atlas Oyster House and the Lewis Bear Company are presenting a series of informational craft beer tastings. Held the first Thursday of each month through June, the classes will feature a brewery presenter, discussion, and three selections from the presenting brewery. The February 7 class will feature Ales Vs. Lagers featuring Capital Brewery. There will be two class seatings each Thursday at 5:30 and 7 pm, each lasting one hour. Participants will receive one six-ounce glass of each of the featured beers. Classes are $10.

Call the events line at 433-9450 to make a reservation.

Historic Pensacola Trolley Tours February 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, 28 Enjoy a 50 minute narrated tour of the historic area of Downtown Pensacola, the “City of Five Flags.” You will hear about the first settlement of 1559, followed by permanent colonization in 1698. The trolley will leave from the Pensacola Visitor’s Center at the foot of Three Mile Bridge. Tours are limited to 36 passengers and are held twice daily at 10 am and 2 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays through March 7.

Check out the tour and make your online tour reservations at beachbumtrolley.com or call 941-9876.

56th Annual Antiques Show at Christ Church February 1-3 Christ Church will hold its 56th Annual Antiques Show on Friday, February 1 through Sunday, February 3. Twenty-two dealers from the region will display all manner of antiques throughout the weekend. Check out antique maps, decoys, vintage toys, bottles, books and furniture, silver flatware, holloware and charms, estate jewelry, fine and vintage costume jewelry, rugs, china and porcelain, orientalia, lovely linens, art, collectibles, and much more! The show will be held in the Currin Center at Christ Church at 14 W.Wright St., from 10 am to 5 pm on Friday and Saturday, and from 11 am to 3 pm on Sunday. A modest admission to the Show will be charged with all proceeds benefiting local charities. Tickets for all events may be purchased in advance at the church office or at the door of the event.

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Agora the Marketplace Wine & Beer Tastings February 15 Agora the Marketplace, located inside Paul’s on the Bay at 660 Scenic Highway, hosts beer and wine tastings. On Friday, February 15, come to Agora and taste a selection of international beers and wines along with gourmet hors d’oeuvres. Admission is $20 at the door. Call 432­5001 for more information, or visit agorathemarketplace.com.

Breakfast and a Movie at the Naval Aviation Museum

Tuesdays in February Watch a classic film on the IMAX® Giant Screen while enjoying a light breakfast and coffee served in a take-home souvenir travel mug. Movies start at 9 am and doors open at 8 am for the first 500 visitors. Admission is $8 per visitor. For more information visit navalaviationmuseum.org. Movies are listed below.

February 5: To Fly February 12: Storm Chasers February 19: Hurricane on the Bayou February 26: To Fly

Pensacola Magazine Wedding Edition Cover Contest Winner Unveiling February 21 Join the crew of Ballinger Publishing as we unveil the winning cover submission for our annual Pensacola Magazine wedding edition. From the slew of submissions from local brides and grooms, we’ve selected one photo to be the cover of our wedding issue. The Fish House Deck Bar will host an unveiling party on Thursday, February 21 at 5:30 pm with hors d’oeuvres and cash bar.

Inaugural A Bark to Remember at the Maritime Park February 23 Join Gulf Coast Health Care on Saturday, February 23 from 10 am– 2 pm at the Community Maritime Park for a pet-friendly event to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association. There will be canine contests, health care awareness information, along with local vendors. Don’t miss the fun and participate in this important cause! This event is free and open to the public. Bring your pet, a chair and enjoy! All proceeds and donations go to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association.

For more information, visit pensacolacommunitymaritimepark.com.

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Word on the Street

Downtown Library Reopens The library has reopened after a two-year renovation and expansion which nearly doubled the library’s size to 51,000 square feet. The two-phase project included the construction of a new wing on Spring Street, after which the original 1957 building was gutted and renovated. The new library includes an expanded children’s area, meeting rooms, coffee shop, bookstore, and more. The library also includes more than 50 new computers, including a ten-station computer training lab. The $7.7 million project was funded by $6 million in Local Option Sales Tax, a $606,500 grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, surplus dollars from the construction of the Tryon Branch Library, and a $100,000 donation by the Friends of the Pensacola Public Library.

Ever’man Celebrates Groundbreaking for Expansion Project The extensive expansion and renovation project at Ever’man Natural Foods took another step forward with a groundbreaking ceremony for the store on Friday, January 25.

The groundbreaking milestone signifies the start of the bulk of the construction work that will take place, transforming the current store at 315. W. Garden Street into a communityfocused full-service grocery store in Downtown Pensacola.

Ever’man Natural Foods received approval from the Pensacola Architectural Review Board to move forward with plans for the comprehensive expansion of the store in August, 2012. In December, 2012, work began on the new community room site, which will be housed in the former T-Square building, also on Garden Street.

Stay the Clinical Spa Now Open in East Hill Stay the Clinical Spa takes a fresh approach to the traditional spa, offering nail spa services, facials and skincare, and massage, with carefully designed treatment plans in several price ranges.

Come pamper yourself at this new spa located in the Old Sacred Heart Hospital Building on the corner of 12th Avenue & Desoto Street. For more information, check out staythespa.com or call 438-3580.

Try Something New at Polonza Bistro Polonza has made some recent changes to its menu, but don’t worry, all the old favorites remain! Come try a new item at the charming bistro at 286 N. Palafox St. City Seeking Two Nominees for New Library Board of Governance The City of Pensacola is currently accepting applications for two positions on the newly formed West Florida Public Library Board of Governance, which will oversee the library system’s operations. The City is seeking individuals who have a passion for libraries and the ability to effectively advocate for the library system. The Board of Governance will be composed of five members, three of whom will be appointed by the Escambia Board of County Commissioners, and two of whom will be appointed by the City of Pensacola. All applicants must be residents of Escambia County. The Board is expected to begin work in March. Applications can be completed online at http://cityofpensacola.com/boards/library or picked up from either City Hall, 222 West Main St., or the Main Library, 239 North Spring St. Applications should be returned to the City Clerk no later than Friday, February 15.

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C h o w D o w n To w n

Sumo Sushi

By Josh Newby

If fresh and authentic sushi, a side of enriching hot soup or a perfectly green salad sound like an ideal break from the humdrum of the office, then Sumo Sushi is your next lunch destination. Featuring the works of bona fide sushi chef Sung Register, Sumo Sushi is located conveniently at Carlton Palms in Downtown Pensacola and provides customers with fresh sushi, sashimi, maki, and nigiri.

There is just something unique and different about the restaurant, and Sung says it is the focus and obsession she has with ensuring all ingredients are held to the highest standards of freshness and cleanliness.

“I wanted a way for people to experience authentic Korean-Japanese sushi that is of the highest quality possible,” said Sung.

“She refuses to accept or cook with ingredients that don’t meet her standards,” said Angel Register, Sung’s oldest daughter who frequently assists in the restaurant.

She has owned and operated the business for six years now, along with her family. Sung insists on being the primary chef at the restaurant during all opening times, Monday through Friday, 11 am to 2:30 pm for lunch and 4 to 9 pm for dinner. The restaurant is open an extra hour until 10 on Fridays and from 4 to 10 pm on Saturdays too.

“She won’t let anyone else cook her sushi,” said Angel. “Sung has a magic hand when she is filleting, slicing, rolling and serving her dishes, and she doesn’t want anyone getting in the way of that.”

Much of Sumo Sushi’s daytime business comes from Downtown: professional men and women hungry for an uncommonly delicious

take on traditional sushi. Most of the nighttime business is out-of-towners and tourists, who are in the mood for cultural cuisine that delights all of the senses.

Sung enjoys being a local resource for her international taste, and reports that many of her big-city friends still praise her homegrown delicacies. It is for that reason that Sung happily reports that business is profitable. She has no intention of retiring soon, and said that she enjoys doing what she loves everyday.

“My favorite part of owning and operating Sumo is, first, the customers who appreciate the purpose and heart of sushi, and second, having a job that allows me to follow my passion and create food that my family taught me how to serve in Korea,” said Sung.

It is that heart and purpose of sushi that Sung hopes continues to drive clientele to her store, customers who realize that sushi is not about perceived fanciness, but about wholesome, delicious, unexpected food options.

Menu options include traditional and wellliked dishes, such as California rolls, spicy shrimp and tuna, salmon, eel, and volcano rolls, as well as special recipes like the Carlton Palm roll that are specific to Sumo Sushi. While you’re munching on and enjoying Downtown’s quintessential sushi, be sure to enjoy the relaxed, low-key, cultural atmosphere and appreciate the cosmopolitan escape from the workplace it provides.

“I hope that people continue to come so that we can celebrate with them the authentic tastes of real sushi,” said Sung.

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First City Art Center

By Emily Lullo

Hot Glass, Cold Brew Where: First City Art Center When: Friday, February 8 from 5 to 9 pm www.belmontartscenter.com

The former Belmont Arts & Cultural Center has long been a mainstay of the local arts scene, with its glassblowing and ceramics artists and classes, and the many community events it hosted. Late last year, the Belmont went through a move and a transformation, reopening as the First City Art Center, and this year the center is hitting its stride in new and improved surroundings.

The working and teaching art studio had outgrown its longtime home in the Belmont Devilliers district in Downtown and relocated to the space at 1060 N. Guillemard St. in the nearby Long Hollow area. It reopened officially in November of last year and the community and the center’s artists and students are already reaping the benefits of the expanded space and amenities.

Board president of the First City Art Center, Michael Conrad says there are many benefits of the new location that go beyond the extra room.

“We have been able to upgrade most all of our equipment for both the glass area and the pottery area since we’ve been able to move and that had a lot to do with the fact that we were able to get natural gas plumbed to the new building,” he says. “For pottery and for glass, we just have so much more potential using the natural gas to run our equipment.”

Another improvement came with the help of Joe Thompson, who owns Bear Creek Glass. Thompson donated glass equipment to the FCAC for only one dollar per year allowing FCAC to greatly expand what can be done in the glass studio, like allowing for two or three glass artists to work concurrently.

FCAC has more than doubled its size, going from about

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2,400 square feet to 7,000, with half of that covered outdoor space, which is well used in glassworking. In addition to the working area, FCAC now has a building with six studios, which have all been rented, along with a artist common gallery area that will be open during events. There is also a third building for classrooms.

“It’s about a 1,500 square foot classroom area, which we haven’t had before, that we can have any kind of art instruction, painting, sculpting, drawing, and we can have other things including dance eventually,” Conrad says. “It’s a building that has a lot of potential and we want to keep expanding those types of classes as well. Anybody who has an art interest that wants to can come forward to teach something and involve people from the community.”

In the few months it has been in its new location, the FCAC has already hosted a Loblolly Theatre production, a Glass Pumpkin Patch event, the Glass Jam in conjunction with the Great Gulfcoast Art Festival, and its signature Hot Glass Cold Brew event in December. If you haven’t yet checked out the new digs, this month offers a chance with another Hot Glass Cold Brew.

The event will take place at the center on Friday, February 8 from 5 to 9 pm. A suggested donation of $25 for non-members and $20 for members gets patrons a one-of-a-kind handblown glass cup or clay mug to fill with complimentary beverages all evening long. There will also be live wheel thrown pottery demos, glass bead making demos and glassblowing demos by featured guest artist Joe Thompson and Shane King, a Washington High School student and Glass Mentor program alumnus. Attendees can also enjoy complimentary pizza, live music

by Three Bean Soup, and for the “cold brew,” beer courtesy of Pensacola Bay Brewery. A Valentine’s themed event is on tap this month with raffles of glass hearts and other clay and glass items in red and pink hues.

“It’s really just kind of a way of getting people together again to watch hot glass being blown and watch some pottery being made and people really seem to enjoy that,” Conrad says. “Last time we had more than 300 people attend, and the average before we left the old location was about 150, so it’s tremendously better.”

Come celebrate the new Center and a love of the arts at this Valentinethemed Hot Glass Cold Brew.

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Parking Map

Your guide to Downtown parking.

Brought to you by:

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About the

URAC Report

By Brian Hooper

Old Florida at its most classic, Pensacola’s Downtown combines a modern aesthetic with our City’s proud military heritage and centuries-old history of civilizations and conquests, explorers and immigrants, pirates and liberators, exiles and entrepreneurs, timber and wetlands, and oil and cotton. Our legacy and location on the Gulf of Mexico give us an identity like no other, and shapes our future ambitions.

Today, Downtown Pensacola is on the rise. We have advanced from a difficult time, and now many feel a growing sense of optimism and momentum.

Indeed, the explosion of new Downtown eateries such as Carmen’s Lunch Bar and 850 Open Water standing alongside pioneering veterans like New York Nick’s and Global Grill are visible examples of this excitement. Much has been accomplished in a short amount of time.

So, to capitalize on this momentum, Mayor Ashton Hayward established the Urban Redevelopment Advisory Committee last year to spur improvements in Downtown Pensacola. The Mayor assembled seven Pensacola residents of diverse experience. Each of us—like other local residents—is committed to keeping Pensacola a thriving, fun, and attractive place to live. The Mayor charged us with a sweeping mandate to create a realistic vision for the continued growth of Pensacola’s Community Redevelopment Agency District, including Downtown, the waterfront, and the surrounding neighborhoods.

A Downtown is a core of a city, and not simply in a geographical sense. A city’s downtown is vital to its economic growth and sustainability, which can

produce economic gains for the wider region, contribute to the tax base, improve the quality of life for all residents, and promote a higher standard of living.

We began our work in February 2012 and met publicly 15 times over the next eight months. In pursuing our mandate, we sought to be independent, impartial, objective, and thorough. To that end, over 40 presenters—and dozens of citizens—addressed the Committee. We reviewed thousands of pages of documents and consulted with hundreds of Pensacola residents.

Our principal findings consist of over 75 specific policy recommendations, and over 50 stand-alone action items. While these recommendations cover a variety of topics, our recommended strategies may be summarized in three broad categories.

First, progress is vital. Above all else, our report recognizes that the proper development of Downtown Pensacola is vital to the economic, social, commercial, and cultural progress of our corner of Florida.

Second, progress will be entrepreneurial. Private investment will drive progress Downtown. Plans for improvement should properly consider the risk and market factors that drive private investment.

Third, progress will be incremental. Our findings support an incremental approach to progress.

Sustainable, long-term solutions must be highly adaptable to changing commercial and social conditions over time.

Our specific findings vary widely. Some are simple and can be implemented immediately at little cost, such as our recommendation to install a

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bollard system for use during Gallery Nights.

Others are much more complex, like increasing the availability of residential housing (and at prices that young professionals and others can afford).

There are numerous factors that may contribute to the success of a thriving, sustainable Downtown.

Principal among those factors is the need for a coherent strategy of measured improvements that will collectively achieve a critical mass. Even the most viable strategy is largely dependent upon basic elements—all of which serve the common goal of continuing positive change.

Downtown needs a redevelopment strategy that will result in significant new investment. That strategy must employ creative, innovative, and proactive efforts to seek out investors who are able to invest in the City, and to instill in them the confidence that the City will support their efforts to move our Downtown forward. We believe our report is a sound strategy for achieving these goals.

But more importantly, we are excited about the future of our Downtown and remain committed to advancing its progress.

About the author: Brian Hooper was the chairman of the Urban Redevelopment Advisory Committee.

He works Downtown as an attorney with the law firm of Emmanuel, Sheppard & Condon. The committee’s full report can be downloaded at www.cityofpensacola.com/boards/urac.

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Business Profile

By Emily Lullo

Crystal Studios

Nestled in the historic East Hill neighborhood is the newest addition to Pensacola’s thriving art community: Crystal Studio. Housed in a quaint residential area, the studio and gallery was opened late last year by polymer clay artist and art teacher Crystal Copperstone. Crystal Studios is part working and teaching studio, part gallery, and part artist collective, where artists and musicians can find a creative atmosphere to collaborate or find inspiration for work.

Copperstone has only been in Pensacola for seven months and despite only having her business open since November, she’s already hosting the work of more than 30 local artists, many of which are nationally or internationally known. On the porch hang handmade wind chimes, and nearly every wall and surface inside also has some kind of art in a variety of media.

The foyer holds a small coffee shop, where guests can grab a cup on the way to the studio or leave with a bag of a unique blend of fresh, locally roasted beans to grind at home.

“I have them roasted in Ft. Walton Beach from Ma’s Coffees,” Copperstone says. “They’re roasted every Wednesday and delivered every Friday so we always have fresh coffee beans.”

A gallery area is filled with paintings by well

known artists like Margaret Biggs and Evan Levin, among others, as well as mixed media work and a jewelry case with the work of two local jewelers.

Throughout the space almost every art media is represented, from woodworking to printmaking and metalwork, to knitting and card making, to found object art and everything in between, and all the pieces are for sale.

Copperstone says she not only wants to display the work of local artists, but also to inspire beginners to come to the studio for classes in jewelry making, sewing, mosaics and much more. Copperstone herself teaches polymer clay classes, which she’s done for more than 20 years.

“The classes are definitely picking up, and it’s a creative place where people can just hang out,” she says.

Many of the classes also utilize shards of glass, but it’s not just any glass. Copperstone has partnered with Chad Fitzgerald and Frank Phillips, proprietors of The Shard Yard, a business the pair started after realizing their home property sat on an apparent landfill filled with glass, china, artifacts and bottles that are over a hundred years old. Fitzgerald and Phillips recently moved some of their hefty stash to the backyard of Crystal Studios, where it is sorted into tubs and containers that anyone can come and pick through and take home.

“People come back here and they use the knee pads and they put on gloves and they dig for the glass for their artwork,” Copperstone says. “The glass is $8 a pound, the china is $10, and we have black glass, which is really rare.”

Inside the studio, you can buy other excavated findings like small glass medicine bottles with glass corks and bags of antique buttons, but there’s still a

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wealth of loot back at their home.

“Our bottle count of whole unbroken bottles is at 2,994 and counting, so we’re very close to 3,000 whole bottles, and it’s five tons or more of glass and pottery, ceramics,” Fitzgerald says. “It seems to be very consistently from about 1850 to about 1910, the exceptions being some black glass that dates to 1830 and before, and we’ve found a pair of Spanish shoe buttons that are from the late 1700s.”

In addition to being open to the public to scour through, the glass is also often used in classes available at the studio, like mosaic and jewelry making classes. Copperstone says she encourages all levels of artists to try the various classes, and she picks teachers willing to work with anyone who needs extra help with projects. If you have projects of your own, you can even come to Crystal for supplies.

Copperstone is a former international demonstrator for USArtQuest, so she now carries the brand’s pure pigment paints and other products at continued next page

her studio.

Whether you’re a beginning artist looking to dive into new techniques, a professional in need of a unique spot to display your work, or even an art lover looking for an addition to your collection or a perfect gift, Crystal has exactly what you need at her inviting studio.

For more information about Crystal Studios, call 466.5521, stop by at 926 E. Lloyd St., or visit facebook.com/CrystalStudiosPensacola.

Crystal Studios Artists Lucy Brooks Jones Rafi Perez Brenna D’layn Jeff Spade Margaret Biggs Linda Desroches Evan Levin Chad Fitzgerald Leo Todd Brown Kristina Weick Joy Oxley Ashley Kaase Bia Thomas Laura Wolfersperger Betty Shoopman Kim Brungraber Delia Stone Crystal Copperstone Susan Mayer Daniella Berg Klee Angelie Gila Rayberg Robin Leathers Robert McBroom Steve Robinson Charlie Bohm Liesel Schmidt Dean Zimmerman Jef Bond Jesse Edwards C.Leigh’s Candles Marie Gossom Marlo’s Wish Todd Bowman Patty Briggs Michael O’Donovan Meghan McMillan Art Orr Kevin Marchetti Coming Soon…

Nina Fritz Ashton Howard

Classes Available: Crochet - Brandy Blaylock Jewelry - Delia Stone, Bia Thomas, Kristina Weick, Marilyn Ordonez Metal Working - Steve Robinson Mosaics - Gila Rayberg Painting - Margaret Biggs Polymer Clay & Card making - Crystal Copperstone

Upcoming Events: Coffee Tasting Come enjoy a coffee tasting at Crystal’s on Thursday, February 28 from 6-9 pm.

Chili Cook-Off On Saturday, March 16, Crystal Studios will host a Chili Cook-Off from 610 pm. There will be many different chilis to sample, made by the 37 (and counting) artists who are represented at the studio. Wash it down with a beer tasting, courtesy of the local brewers of the award winning Pensacola Bay Brewery. Enjoy live music and karaoke during the evening. The public is invited to attend to enjoy the festivities at the studio!

pensacola magazine

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Film In which we unfairly judge coming attractions based solely on their trailers

By Josh Newby

What I’ll be spending my $8 on: Side Effects In theaters: February 11 Starring: Jude Law, Rooney Mara, Catherine ZetaJones, Channing Tatum What I got from the preview: A woman’s sudden dependence on prescription drugs to combat anxiety over her husband’s release from prison throws her and everyone she knows into a downward spiral of deceit, lies and evolving passions.

Most notable for: Steven Soderbergh, the director, has been saying he’s going to quit the movie biz for years, yet he keeps churning out surreal, inventive, independent thrillers and dramas like this one. He claims this will be his final theatrical effort.

Unqualified critical observation: Ever since the bizarre and telling Sex, Lies and Videotape, I have been a fan of Soderbergh movies big and small.

This falls somewhere in the middle, with a formidable cast and a mainstream story, but a methodic attention to detail usually reserved for his narrower films. Soderbergh movies are always special, sometimes extreme, and never boring.

Hopefully this will be no exception.

Warm Bodies In theaters: February 1 Starring: Nicholas Hoult, Teresa Palmer, John Malkovich What I got from the preview: A zombie apocalypse has ravaged much of the world, leaving a clear distinction between humans and zombies. A certain male teenage zombie falls in love with the girlfriend of one of his victims, and their romance sets in motion a grand, transformative war between the two species.

Most notable for: A twist on the traditional Valentine’srelated fare that usually hits theaters around this time of year. It also seems like a zombie version of Twilight.

Unqualified critical observation: Call me crazy, maybe, but I think this movie might actually be good. It seems overly juvenile, yes, but it may just have a heart of gold and a storyline clever enough to elevate it above the typical movies aimed at teenage girls. Besides, it’s February, also known as the month the studios dispose of their poor performers, so we’ll have to take what we can get.

Identify Thief In theaters: February 8 Starring: Jason Bateman, Melissa McCarthy, Amanda Peet, Jon Favreau What I got from the preview: Jason Bateman plays Sandy, a pushover, mild-mannered businessman who learns his identity has been stolen, and hits the road to foil the thief himself. The woman who stole his identity is hardly a pushover though, and soon they take part in a “hilarious” game of cat and mouse.

Most notable for: The director, Seth Gordon, made the very funny Horrible Bosses, and hopes to continue his success. This is also the first big movie that Melissa McCarthy, breakout star of Bridesmaids, has made since that film.

Unqualified critical observation: While I’m sure portions of the movie will be very funny and very R-rated, it seems to rely too heavily on McCarthy’s shtick as the overly expressive hothead. As a central character, as opposed to a supporting one, I’m afraid the audience will very quickly grow tired of her constant loudmouth retorts and routines. I’ll check it out when it becomes a fixture on cable TV.

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Safe Haven In theaters: February 14 Starring: Julianne Hough, Josh Duhamel, Cobie Smulders What I got from the preview: Based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks…and that’s as far as I got. Just kidding, but check out this original plot: a pretty blonde is in danger in a sleepy, coastal town, and a tall, tan widower has to protect her from her secret past.

Most notable for: The annual Nicholas Sparks Valentine’s Day entry, this movie marks Hough’s turn as a “serious” actress.

Unqualified critical observation: Nicholas Sparks movies are so predictable and formulaic, they’re almost enjoyable. This film has all the fan-favorite elements in spades, except perhaps the death of a central character at the end. The courtship of the two main characters is usually somewhat sweet and entertaining, but the back-story and conclusion are the deal-breakers for me.

I’ll rent it one night when I’m feeling sappy and in a mood to know what’s going to happen.

A Good Day to Die Hard In theaters: February 14 Starring: Bruce Willis, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Patrick Stewart, Jai Courtney What I got from the preview: Legendary hard-edged New Jersey good guy John McClane travels to Russia to help his son dismantle a nuclear weapons heist, the group behind which is threatening to hold the world hostage.

Most notable for: This is the second entry in the recently rebooted Die Hard franchise, and the fifth time overall Bruce Willis will dodge bullets and kill the bad guys, despite being nearly 60.

Unqualified critical observation: These movies are generally good, old-fashioned, brainless fun. There’s usually a healthy amount of explosions, wise cracks and suspense to go around. It’s just as predictable as most of the other releases this month, but somehow I don’t mind. Bruce Willis transcends the genre and somehow gives the formula a charming, watchable edge. I’ll give it a try at a lazy weekend afternoon matinee.

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MY CROWD

By Josh Newby

Short Attention Span Theatre There are those who enjoy the idea of theatre, but find the narratives too long of a commitment. Then there are people who do not mind the running time, but find the material too tame to enjoy. Finally, there are those who have never ventured inside the theatre at all, and may very well be scared to do so. For anyone in those categories, Short Attention Span Theatre is for you.

The idea is simple, yet simultaneously revolutionary and entertaining. For the last ten years straight, the Pensacola Little Theatre gives the patrons of the city a series of evenings devoted to the time-condensed, crazy and comic twists of the modern relationship—a theme many can identify with and most can laugh at.

The Short Attention Span Theatre consists of six quirky one-act plays, 10 to 15 minutes each, that find the humor in romance and relationships. The material is occasionally risque or sexual in nature, so audience members should know that this is not necessarily an event for the whole family. It is, however, an event for anyone with a mature sense of humor who doesn’t mind finding the humor in everday life—and in themselves or their significant other.

Studio 400, one of the PLT’s three production companies, accepts submissions from amateur writers each year, some of which result in productions of Short Attention Span Theatre. The

actors are amateurs too, giving the performance an authentic, informal feel.

This year, one of the plays, Quest for Kotex, involves a wife who sends her husband to the store for feminine hygience products. Dog Day

Afternoon involves a cat and dog who discuss the pros and cons of escape from the suburban world. Mrs. Jansen Isn’t Here Now consists of two lost souls who try to connect at a late night bar, each hoping that it isn’t too late. A dash of mystery, adventure and trouble are present in Misfortune, a play that has a dinner date ending in murder. All of these stories and more await those who attend the production this year.

“Each of these plays are great for both the theatre novice and aficionado,” said Sarah Darden, PLT’s marketing and special events coordinator. “The audience for the plays includes twentysomethings to older, mature adults. The performances offer a wide range of humor and entertainment.”

There are generally no more than three to four people in the cast for each play, and set change times between stories only last about five minutes. Altogether, the evening is about an hour a half long, perfect for the short attention span viewer, though you may find yourself hungry for more of these quick-witted, to-the-point allegories.

Couples can complement their Valentine’s evening with a special performance February 14 at 8 pm, and enjoy delicious desserts and Chocolate or French Kiss martinis for only $50 per couple or $25 per person. Other performance dates are February 15-17 and 21-23, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm. Sunday matinees are at 2:30 pm.

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Spread the Love to the Historic District There may be a chill in the air, but there are plenty of places in the Downtown Pensacola Historic District to warm you through and through. Try a big locally-crafted beer to raise your spirits, an affogato (gelato with espresso), or a hot cup of aromatic tea or coffee, all available in the Historic District.

Looking for a perfect gift for your sweetheart this month?

Check out the many local spots that have something wonderful and unique for your Valentine, whether it’s an eclectic trinket, a new dress or a gift certificate to one of the Historic District businesses, where centuries of history meet with the many modern offerings of local entrepreneurs in a beautiful and romantic setting.

It’s a new year and the perfect time to see what’s new in the Historic District. Plenty of businesses have sprouted up in recent months, so if you haven’t explored this area of Downtown lately, it’s time to check out all it has to offer!

Have some fun or meet your everyday needs with all kinds of businesses that call this beautiful segment of Downtown home.

To place your ad here please call Sharyon Miller at 433-1166 ext. 28 30 The DTC • FEBRUARY 2013 • www.downtowncrowd.com

1.) La Bona International Boutique 507 Adams St., 857-1211

5.) Olde Seville Chiropractic Dr. Lindsey Jeudevine 208 S. Alcaniz St., 607-2105

2.) Pensacola Bay Brewery 225 E. Zaragoza St., 434-3353

6.) Historic Pensacola village 205 East Zarragossa St., 595-5993

3.) Tanner Realty 421 E. Zarragossa St., 435-9007

7.) Pensacola Historic Lighthouse 2081 Radford Blvd. 393-1561

4.) The Mole Hole Unique Gifts 425 E. Zarragossa St., 434-7329

9.) Breeze Nutrition 310 E. Government St. 575-639-3775

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The Good Times Keep Rolling at Pensacola Mardi Gras

By Emily Lullo

With the Twelfth Night celebration in early January and this year’s addition of the Jubilee by the Bay events last month, Mardi Gras season is already in full swing. February brings the climax to the celebration with multiple parades replete with tons of beads and colorful krewes, and it will all culminate in a Fat Tuesday Priscus Celebration that will erupt throughout Downtown for one last hurrah before the season is complete.

Coming up first on Friday, February 8 at 8 pm is the Krewe of Lafitte Parade, which is the only illuminated parade that takes place at night. It will follow the usual parade route for Downtown parades. The Krewe of Lafitte Parade is the perfect opportunity to spend a night on the town, load up on precious plastic beads and enjoy the nightlife and Mardi Gras spirit of Downtown. The party will continue once the parade is over in the bars and restaurants that remain open through the evening.

The following day on Saturday, February 9, Downtown will host the Grand Mardi Gras Parade at 2 pm. This parade offers a familyfriendly celebration of all things Mardi Gras. All manner of krewes will be represented from the pink wigs and boas of the Krewe du Yayas to the bright 60s styles of the Krewe of Hip Huggers and the black and white suits of the Krewe of Blues. The crazy cast of characters will be tossing out the goodies from their outlandishly decorated floats so bring a bag to take home your stash of beads, moon pies and toys. Some people even use an open umbrella for maximum catching capacity.

Outside of Downtown, the Krewe of Wrecks will host their own parade on Pensacola Beach.

This seaside parade will be on Sunday, February 10 at 1 pm.

Downtown will play host to one last chance for Mardi Gras revelry at the Fat Tuesday Priscus celebration on February 12. The season may be

winding down for the year but this party gives one last chance to squeeze out a bit more Mardi Gras fun. During this street party, South Palafox will be closed to traffic from Garden Street to Government, and Government will be closed between Palafox to Tarragona, opening the streets to thousands of Mardi Gras revelers.

Floats and krewes will be in the streets getting the party going, and during the celebration, the 2014 Priscus King and Queen will be crowned. The festivities will begin at 7 pm and they’ll be over when the clock strikes midnight, marking the end of Fat Tuesday and the start of Ash Wednesday.

There’s only a few more weeks of Mardi Gras fun, so deck yourself out in purple, green and gold, find the baby in the King Cake, and check out one or all of these unique celebrations. For all the information on the local Mardi Gras events and more, visit pensacolamardigras.com.

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Faces in the Crowd

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...at the Pensacola Opera’s Barber of Seville Meet the Artists Reception at the Saenger: 1. Jody Livesay & Jan Van Voorhis; 2. Nethaneel Williams, Lanie Delacruz & Joseph Garnett; 3. Pensacola Opera artistic director Kyle Marrero; 4. Lindsay Myers, Sarah Humlie & Gred Tomso; 5. Tucker O’Connor; 6. Pensacola Opera executive director Erin Sammis; 7. Derene Williams, Michael Mayes & Sarah Callinan. ...at Gallery Night Downtown Pensacola: 8. Edith Massey, Scott Vaughn and children; 9. Viviana Malone and Heather Malone; 10. David Oberhausen, Caroline Martin and Marilyn Oberhausen; 11. Krewe of Seville - Fred Neveu, Cathy Saunders, Sylvia Thrash and Paul Thrash; 12. Ed and Mickey Rushing

QUIZ:

How many square feet is the new First City Art Center facility? (search this issue for answer)

ADMIT ONE

Grand Prize is

Pair of tickets to a Pensacola Ice Flyers ice hockey game

Deadline to enter is February 15.

Answers may be emailed, faxed or mailed (no telephone entries). On the 15th of the month, the winner will be selected at random.

Grand Prize: Two tickets to Ice Flyers hockey game The Rules: Employees and family members of Ballinger Publishing and the Downtown Improvement Board are ineligible for prizes.

Ballinger Publishing is not responsible for restrictions of each prize.

Winners are chosen at random from a pool of eligible respondents.

Daytime phone number MUST be provided with submissions.

Winners will be contacted by phone. Winners are ineligible to win again for a 6-month period. IMPORTANT: All entries MUST be sent by E-MAIL (emily@ballingerpublishing.com), FAX 435-9174, or MAIL (PO Box 12665, Pensacola, FL 32591). Entries must be in by the 15th by noon. NO TELEPHONE ENTRIES.

FEBRUARY 2013 • find us on facebook @ Pensacola dtc • The DTC 35

36 The DTC • FEBRUARY 2013 • www.downtowncrowd.com